Top 10 celebrity beaches

Friday 23, July 2010

Not all beaches are created equal. Some glamorous shorelines get a little more love from entertainment royalty than others, so check out our list of which hot spots attract the world’s most scintillating stars, and add them to your travel agenda this summer.

The Maldives

Although Beyonce and Jay-Z seem to vacation everywhere, the hip-hop royalty couple are often seen jetting to the beach-side huts of the Maldives on the Indian Ocean. The beaches here are set around a series of ancient coral reefs that expanded along the sides of prehistoric volcanoes, which make for astounding snorkeling and diving in the warm water lagoons. Other celebs who love this spot are Kate Moss, Eva Longoria, Jude Law and Penelope Cruz.

South Beach, Miami

The smooth Latin rhythm of South Beach, Miami does something to its guests - or at least Jennifer Lopez and Shakira seem to think so. Ocean Drive runs along the Atlantic, where the rich and famous situate their yachts and play on the sand. A-listers especially flock to The Setai, a luxury accommodation where gods and goddesses of entertainment can lounge in the three azure pools, relax in the spa and jet-ski in the rolling blue waves.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Once again, Sydney makes the list (is there anything this city can’t do?). From surfing to snorkeling to simply tanning on the shore like Paris Hilton, Bondi Beach has it all. The best part of Bondi is how many activities surround it, so while you’re sailing under the Harbour Bridge or checking out the Coogee cliffs, keep an eye out for celebs like Nicole Richie and Hugh Jackman, who have been known to come here and kick back.

Lake Como, Italy

It’s not the point where the sand meets the water that attracts the celebrities, rather it’s the scenic area that surrounds the water. Menaggio and Tremezzo boast beautiful lakeside beaches, but the real highlights are the outdoor activities like boating, horseback riding and paragliding. Hey, if George Clooney likes it, we’re not arguing.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

In the heart of French Polynesia, Bora Bora exists as a sort of honeymoon-land. Glam ladies like Charlize Theron, Sharon Stone and Nicole Kidman have been spotted lounging on its golden beaches, most likely enjoying the private beach huts that offer views of volcano peaks and cobalt lagoons.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo has always been a classic respite for big wigs, especially due to its close proximity to Los Angeles. Legends like John Wayne and Ernest Hemingway vacationed here back in the day, and now stars like Dustin Hoffman relax by the Sea of Cortez. Hit the beach here for parasailing, snorkeling, kite sailing and diving.

Mallorca, Spain

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a no-brainer for spotting famous beachgoers. Stars like Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas own property here, as well as athletes and pop singers from all over the world. When you’re done sunbathing on its glorious stretches of sand on the east and north coasts (rumored to be the best beaches on the island), take a Vespa tour through the rich Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and along olive groves and pine forests.

Turtle Island, Fiji

This South Pacific paradise is your best bet for celeb sightings – if you have the money and connections to get on land, that is. Pop stars like Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson have secured spots on the privately-owned island, which allows only 28 guests at a time. If funds allow, you can also reserve one of the island’s 14 beaches, or the entire island itself, but we’re guessing if you have that kind of money, you might already be a celebrity, rather than looking to spot one.

Anguilla

The most wonderful thing about Anguilla is the sheer lack of development (there are no casinos or nightclubs) that seems to plague other idyllic islands. There’s a certain serenity here that celebrities like Courteney Cox-Arquette and David Arquette crave, so if you happen to bump into them on one of the unspoiled and tranquil beaches, keep the peace by maintaining Anguilla’s calm and quiet power.

St Tropez, France

Don’t be confused – P Diddy doesn’t own the place, but he certainly has a stake in its social circle. His yacht parties on the beach have been known to cause an elegant ruckus or two, and stars like Lara Flynn Boyle and Jack Nicholson frequent the beaches here as well. (No word on whether or not they hang with Diddy.)

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More and more travellers think that researching and planning a European city break is half the fun and they're not interested in pre-arranged trips or escorted tours. Self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages but require some guidance and good resources.